During the uprising in South Africa, about the time of the Boer War, (while Baden-Powell was serving with the Imperial Army), he suppressed one of the tribes known as the Zulus, whose Chief was King Dinizulu. Baden-Powell became a friend of Dinizulu and later was given the beads worn by the King denoting his chieftainship. These consist of hundreds of "wooden beads" resembling bones. Baden-Powell kept these for years and at the first training held for leaders, at Browsea, he felt that because of the great amount of effort put forth, the leaders should have some distinctive badge. He remembered Dinizulu's beads, broke them up and gave two beads on the end of a leather thong, to each leader taking part in the course. Later, when the supply of beads ran short, one original bead and one facsimile (made at Gilwell Park) were given to those leaders successfully completing the course. Now leaders receive two facsimiles. The Wood Badge training course, as it is called, is the highest form of training available to leaders.

Kenneth duBois Maclaren was present at Baden-Powell's first Scout camp, held at Brownsea Island in 1908, and remained a friend of Baden-Powell for life.

Toward the end of 1918, Mr. MacLaren, who was the District Commissioner for Roseneath, in Dumbartonshire, Scotland, offered to buy a camping ground which would be available for Scouts, especially those from the east end of London. (MacLaren was not one of the Brownsea Scouts; he was an assistant.) A small committee was formed and at the special request of Baden-Powell, decides to look for an estate which would offer a camping ground, and also act as a training ground for Scouters.

Early in 1919, the committee heard of the estate of Gilwell Park, being for sale and after the committee and Chief Scout inspected the grounds, Mr. MacLaren was told that the estate would be suitable. Negotiations were started at once. By Easter of that year, permission was granted to use the estate for camping.

The estate had been more or less derelict and much had to be done toward putting Gilwell Park in shape. The house consisted mainly of only four walls and consideration had been given to tearing it down. Mr. MacLaren came to the rescue and added a considerable sum to the purchase price in order that the house could be put in order.

In May of 1919, Francis Gidney was appointed Camp Chief. The intention being that the camp should be kept open all year round. The first terms of reference were:

1. To be used as a training center where Scouters would be trained by competent Scouters in the formation and training of troops, practical woodcraft and camping and the methods of Scouting, generally;
2. To provide camping sites for troops and patrols, provide facilities for the practice of Scout craft and to give expert advice. This was intended especially for troups who were less experienced and troops of poorer Scouter who could otherwise be unable to study camp craft and woodlore.

The formal opening ceremony:  The Chief Scout and Lady Baden-Powell were present to receive guests at tea. The house was formally opened by Mrs. MacLaren cutting a ribbon of Scout colours strung across the entrance. There was a rally of some 700 Scouts. There were congratulations by the Chief Scout on their acquisition; he thanked Mr. MacLaren and presented him with the Silver Wolf. The first Scout Master's training course was held from September 8 to 19, 1919 and was attended by 20 Scout Masters from all parts of England and Wales.

The scarf is made from material known as the Gilwell Grey. The red on the inner side is said to be effective in absorbing the rays of the sun. The material was and is used in making shirts and jackets for hotter climates. At first, India was the only place where the material was made. This was sent to England where the scarves were made up. The scarves are still made in England. The tartan on the back is the MacLaren tartan, in memory and in honour of Kenneth duBois MacLaren.

The woggle is a leather turk's head. This can be worn by a Scouter who has completed Part I Wood Badge Training.

This is a certificate, signed by the Chief Scout for Canada, the Governor General.